WRGHm V O L . 9.

T H E H E A D W R I G H T S O N N E W S L E T T E R O C T O B E R , 1958 NO. 4

. 1

Pn'sentation of Luiii! Service Awards: Mr. Richard Miles. Chairman, hands over a clock to "Dick" Addison wh( has served fifty years with the Company

Chairman^s Letter OUR ANNUAL REPORT

We had our Annual General Meeting on Thursday. 31 St July, and an account of it appeared in the papers the next day. Everybody is pleased about the results of our elTorts. and not only did we pass a formal resolution of thanks at the Meeting, but as we all know, we have used considerable funds to improve working conditions and terms of service.

The figures in some cases are the results of contracts four years old. At the moment, for the first time for many years, even though most of our companies have a lot of work in hand, orders are not coming in fast enough. The oil industry has curtailed its programme, for example. Th i s almost immediately hits our Head Wrighlson Steel Foundries Ltd . . and our Head Wrightson Processes L t d . It has done so already.

When this sort of situation arises,, the first thing 1 do is to criticise myself. Could we have forestalled this recession.- Expecting a downward turn in trade after the War - and the good trade has lasted longer than 1 thought it would — we strengthened our selling organisa­

tion, started The Head Wrightson Export Co. Ltd . . broadened the front of our products, and improved our equipment still proceeding - as we a l l know.

These were some of the plans we made years ago. but despite the present indications, which we all hope wil l be temporary, we are so closely linked with world trade that, to some extent, we must go up and down with it.

Things may get worse before the up-turn. Continued forethought, care, and effort are needed, on the part of all of us. at worst not to hinder, at best to expedite, continuing prosperity.

Let us hope and work towards the end that :

"Peace he within our walls, and prosperity within our places".

2 WRIGHT AHEAD

Mr. and Mrs, A. (ireaves

MARRIAGES Congratulations lo : H.W. Tcesdale ( Machine Shop).

Mr. I ) . I l i u r lwdL Mr. A. Grca\cs.

H.W. Steel Foundries Miss S Randall lo Mr I

(Teesdalc). J i ukson .

H.W. Iron Foundries. Mr. J Ua rdman lo Miss M Dodds.

H.W. Stampings Ltd. Mr. A. F I T K S to Miss M. iohnsnn. Mr. C . Rohinson to Miss M. WalkLT. Mr. Norman Yale to Miss S. Cooke. Miss M. Winier to Mr. .X, Newviead.

H.W. Iron & Steel W. Fnginecring. Mr. A. Idle to Miss I ) I*arks (Cashiers!. Mr. G , GrifTiihs to Miss M. Dickenson. Mr. B. Johnson lo Miss B. Nixon. Miss W. Hutchinson to Mr. R. Foots.

H.W. Stockton Forge Ltd. Mr. F. Seaman lo Miss J . ( i i l l . Mr. D. Grev to Miss M. Burrows. Mr. R. Saunders to Miss E. Mclsi l lc.

H.W. Machine Co. Ltd. Miss M F Bates to Mr F. Bradbum

(H.O- Costs). H.W. Colliery Engineering Ltd. (Sheffield).

Miss F * lllinftworih to Mr. A . Green. Mr. B Pike to Miss E. Bccver.

H.Q. Maintenance. Mr. T . Baker.

H.W. London Office. Mrs. Miirial Tucker to Mr.

BIRTHS Congratulations to :— H.W. iron Foundries Ltd.

Mr. and Mrs. F. Wation - a son. H.W. Stampings Ltd.

Mr and Mis. K, 1 ohh — a son. H.W. Machine Co. Ltd.

Mr Mr M.. and Mrs.

and Mrs. and Mrs. and Mrs.

Terry Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs.

Michael. Mr. and Mrs.

Julie-

Mr. Mr Mr.

and Mrs and Mrs.

A. Blankarnc — Bill B'oomlicid GrifT IXirham -H. Frrinmon — J . Flower — a J . B. Green

a son. David. — a daufi'iter. - a son. a son. Martin. dauRh:er.

— a datiRhter.

W . Nicholson K. Richaidson

— a dauRhter. — a son. I^axid

C . G . Wilson — a daiiRbter.

H.W. iron & Steel Engineering Ltd. Mr. and Mrs. Col in Gamble — a son. Philip

Michael,

Mr. and Mrs. A. horhes

Mr. and Mrs. R. Saunders

Mr. and Mrs. Ken March — a son. Ian Alexander.

Mr. and Mrs. I red Mason — a daiiRhier. Barbara Ann.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Miller — a son. Richard. H.W. Colliery Engineering Ltd. (Sheffield).

C(M)per — a daiiRhier. C . Mawstm — a dauRhter. Plant — a son.

Roduers — a dauRhter.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Hird

Mr. and Mrs. D. Mr. and Mrs. H. Mr. and Mrs. M. Mr. and Mrs. B.

Nuclear Power Division. Mr. and Mrs. A. Scott—a son. Paul Oueniin. Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Davy — a son. John

Kev in.

5 v

Mr. and Mrs. C . Rohinson

H.Q. Maintenance. Mr. and Mrs. F. Else-iotx! — a son. Mr and .Mis W. .Mallet - a son. Mr. and Mis. p. .Steiner - a datiRhier.

H.W. London Office. Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Paierson — a son.

Mark Philip.

ENGAGEMENTS I L W . Stampings Ltd.

Miss M. Brookes lo Mr. G . KnagRi. Miss J . Smith to Mr. D. BCRR. Miss M Hun er to Mr K. Duncan.

H.W. Stockton Forge. Mr. C . Marwood to Miss J . Turner

(H .W .M . Co. ) . II .W. Iron & Steel W. Engineering Ltd.

Mr. .M. Clark lo Miss A. Maikham. Mr. J . Gaffnev to Miss B. Leonard. Mr. C . Irvin to M ss P. Webster. Miss A. Ma tin to Mr. D GallaRhcr. Mr. G . Moodie to Mivs M. Rutherford. Miss M. Navlor to Mr. John Jones. Mr. M. Rhymer lo Miss S. Dodds.

DEATHS C ondolcnces to the families of the following : Head WrighLson Steel Foundries Ltd.

Mr. C. MeOuillan. Head Wrightson iron Foundries Ltd.

Mr. C. Ri)Kers (Moulder). Mr. R. Henderson (Moulder).

H.W. Stockton Forge Ltd. Mr. T . GibNms (Fitter).

H.Q. Maintenance. Mr. T Mcl can (Joiner).

•5 Mr. and Mrs. K. Hpuijhey

WRIGHT AHEAD 3

A Goodwill Mission to U.S.A. by Mr. R. B. W. Boiland, Director and General Manager and Mr, R. W. Wright of

Stockton l-orgc

Denver CltUeway to the Hcnkies

Ear ly this year we were invited lo attend a sales conference marking the merger of Colorado Ironworks and The Mine & Smelter Supply Co . Ltd . The conference was to be held in Denver. Colorado, so it was decided that we should stop en route and call on our other Amer i ­can associates in the ore dressing business—Hardinge Inc. of Y o r k , Pennsylvania.

We left Thornaby on Wednesday. July 9lh, and stayed overnight in London. After spending Thursday morning at London office we travelled to Southampton by train, embarking on R . M . S . "Queen Mary" and setting sail at 6 p.m. for America. The Queen Mary is 1,051 feet long and she has a gross tonnage of 81.000 tons, so one's first impressions are of her gigantic proportions and the immense power which is necessary to drive her through the ocean at average speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour! Although the ship is so massive, I soon realised that she can rock and i did not really enjoy the first few meals on board. Swimming pools, gymnasia, libraries and cinemas are provided on board and the food was superb. The menus covered most tastes, but it was pos-.sible to gel any special fancy from the larder.

We reached U . S . A . on Tuesday. July 15th, landing at Pier 90. New York in the shadow of the skyscrapers. T h e Customs inspection took place in a shed with a temperature in the 90*s so we were only on American soil for a matter of minutes before we were bathed in perspiration. Leaving New York the following morning we arrived at Lancaster. Pennsylvania, three hours later and we were driven to York (Penn.) by Mr. H . de Forest Hardingc. assistant to the President of the Hardingc Company. Th is was my first experience of the Cadillac, which is regarded as the Rolls Royce of America. Windows and seat adjustment were power operated and the car was capable of speeds of over 100 m.p.h. which are never realised because the speed limit on most of the main turnpike roads in U . S . A . is 60 m.p.h.

We stayed in York for two days during which discus­sions were held with administrative, sales and technical personnel of the company on matters of common interest

in the design of ore dressing equipment. We toured the works and the office and were extremely impressed with the research department which contains miniatures of most of the machines in the Hardingc manufacturing repertoire. In this laboratory they can simulate the com­plete action of any of their machines. During our stay in York we were entertained lavishly by the Hardinge family and I was privileged lo see a softball game. Soflball is a form of baseball, played in a smaller field with a larger softer ball than is used in the professional game. I appreciated the basic rules of the game, but the finer points were lost to me I had some small satis­faction when I found that cricket is a complete mystery to most Americans. Soccer is a popular winter game in the Slates, hut the greatest interest is in American football.

After taking a train to Chicago f iom Y o r k we travelled on to Denver. Colorado, in a crack train called the California Zephyr. Th i s train covers the 2.500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles in about 48 hours and it is pulled by diesel electric locomotives. A l l the rolling stock is clad in stainless steel and various diversions including dining rooms, bars, lounges, observation domes and radio are provided to make the two day journey more interesting.

In Denver we registered at a startlingly contemporary hotel-motel complete with bathing pool and a contest for the title of Miss Colorado 1958! We spent all day Sunday driving in the Rocky Mountains with Mr. Dr ink-water, the manager of Mine & Smelting Supply Co. . and his wife and after climbing (in the car) to a height of 11.988 feet we toured two mining villages called George­town and Central Ci ty . Both these settlements arc now no longer active in mining, hut they have been preserved in the old Western style, complete with saloon, sheriff's office, dirt streets and hoard sidewalks for the benefit of sightseers. It seems that the spirit of the old West still lives on because at the time of our visit to George­town a miner was being held in the city jail on a charge of killing two tourists whom he had caught in his gold mine.

After this dav of relaxation we spent three very full days in conference with Mine & Smelter personnel and then we took another famous train called the Denver Zephyr (see photo) to Chicago. I consider that Chicago was the most beautiful American city that we visited. The city is built on the shore of Lake Michigan and the

4 WRIGHT AHEAD

magnificent formal gardens laid out along the lakeside with the skyscrapers of fashionable Chicago in the hack-ground gave me the impression of being at the seaside, rather unlike Scarborough though, as the temperature was nearly 90 in the shade.

We travelled on to New York again by train and there we met Mr. Rohinson. the manager of our Canadian company. On this occasion I made the trip to the top of the Empire State Building which is regarded as a "must" for every first visitor lo the city. I had the good fortune to make the ascent at twilight so 1 witnessed the unforgettable sight of the lights coming on along Broad­way. Times Square, and on all the great surrounding buildings.

We embarked on the R .M.S . Mauretania on Saturday, the 26th July and set sail for England. The Mauretania is somewhat smaller than the Queen Mary, hut just as comfortable, although I suffered again from lack of appetite it j-eems that I am not cut out to he a sailor.

After landing in England on Saturday, the 2nd August we stayed overnight in London, travelling north by train on Sunday and arriving home at 4-30 p.m. after a very enjoyable and. I hope, fruitful visit to America.

T H E H E A D W R I G H T S O N D R A M A T I C S O C I E T Y

The closing production of the 1957 58 season was "Someone Waiting" by Emiyn Will iams. Th i s was probably the most difficult play from the acting angle that the Society has ever tackled, and very great credit is due. both lo the cast and the producer, for the convincing way in which it finally came over. The plot concerned the efforts of a father to avenge his son. who had been wrongly hanged for murder, and the mounting tension as his plans worked out. was excellently conveyed, though some of the audience were disappointed that none of the murders and sudden deaths actually took place on the stage in full view! The cist included two newcomers. Mary Navlor and Boh Wood, as well as such established favourites as Eileen O 'Hara , En id Thur lwel l . Edna Fe r r i -day. J im McCarlen and Albert Patterson. The producer was Fred Mothcrsdale.

A highlight in the Society's programme took place at the Apr i l Monthly Meeting, when a talk was given by Mr. J . M . Rennie. Drama Crit ic of the Evening Gazette. A s well as being very interesting, this should prove to he of great value to all Society Members. The June Monthly Meeting took the form of a beach picnic at Salthurn, while our Annual Outing to Scarborough Open A i r Theatre was held on 28th August.

The Annual General Meeting took place in May, and it was very disappointing that so few members attended. Those who did heard the unwelcome news that last season the Society operated at a loss for the first time in its history. There is no doubt that i f this trend con­tinues, it wil l mean the end of the Society. We do hope that al l members will rally round, and do their utmost to publicise the Society and to sell tickets for its produc­tions during next season, which is to open with the drama "Four Winds". The newly elected Officers and Committee are : —

President: R . Miles. Esq . : Chairman: F . Shepherd. Esq . : Secretary: Miss E . Turner: Treasurer: Mr. H . Shields; Stage Director: Mr. S. Waites; Business Manager: Mrs. B . Reeves.

Committee :— Mesdames E . Ferriday, M . Naylor, E . Thur lwel l . Messrs. F . Mothersdale. D . While.

Personality Parade

Mr. Jim McCartcn, Head Wrighlson Wages Dept. Although J im has not appeared in very many produc­

tions of the Head Wrightson Society, he is one of our most experienced members. Whilst he was not actually carried on the stage as a hahy in arms, he distinctly remembers playing " T i n y T i m " in a "Christmas C a r o l " at the age of four and around the same age appeared in "Midsummer Night's Dream".

Unl ike most of our members, he has appeared in many classic plays, including "School for Scandal" as Charles Surface. "She Sloops to Conquer" as Squire Hardcaslle. "The Riva l s" and Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" in which he played the part of the Duke. In lighter vein, he recalls being the lodger in "George and Margaret", and taking no fewer than three parts in the Middles­brough Little Theatre production of "1066 and all that". He has also played in a number of religious dramas. He recalls one incident, when he appeared as Joseph in a Nativity Play. In the inn scene a maid was supposed to appear through a door at the hack of the stage, hearing a lamp. When her cue was given, the door remained shut. It was given a few more times, hut still she failed to appear. Final ly , a frantic voice from behind the scenes echoed round the hall (a church one), exclaiming "The

door won't open!"

J im continued his dramatic career throughout his war service in the navy, and at one time was in the same drama group as Jack Hulhcrl 's sister, herself a former professional actress. In one society at Grimsby, space was so limited that ladies and gentlemen had to use the same dressing room! We hope at different times. While in this society, they were asked to repeat a very success­ful production at a village hall in the wilds of Lincoln­shire for the benefit of American Ai r Force staff stationed in the vicinity. On arriving, they found the village feet deep in snow, and the Americans were unable to get through. The play was therefore performed to an audience con­sisting of women making lea in the background, children and a village ancient with a long white heard, who laughed in all the wrong places, an accompaniment being provided by the sound of water dripping in through the leaky roof. T o crown everything, when the play was over a huge crowd turned up to attend a dance.

J im's parts with our Society certainly prove his versa­tility. He first appeared as Eddie, the blackmailing spiv, in "John Marlow's Profession", and then became a digni­fied country gentleman as Mr. Darcy in " I Have Five Daughters". In " A n Inspector Ca l l s " , he was ideally cast as the young man about town. Gerald, whilst in our last production "Someone Waiting", he gave an out­standing performance in the leading role of the avenging father.

When we asked J im which, of all his many parts, he preferred, he replied "Haven't got a favourite. 1 like them a l l " .

Teesdale Judo Club After being in the doldrums for some time. Head

Wrighlson Judo Club has leapt into the limelight under the guidance and instruction of Sitm Grainger (Brown Belt Holder), of the Bridge Y a r d (Teesdale).

WRIGHT AHEAD 5

At a recent * grading examination held at Middles­brough Judo Club and conducted by W. Peacock (holder of the Black Belt) from the South Shields Judo Club, al l our members were successful, eight gaining the 1st Grade (White Belt) with two ( F . Brown. Treasurer. Steel Foun­dry and K . Robson. Secretary) doing very well to gain the 2nd Grade (Yel low Belt).

Th i s is quite an achievement because the contests were against some experienced Judoka + from the Middles­brough Club .

On Saturday. 29ih June, we gained one seat on the Committee at the inaugural meeting of the Northern Area Association of the British Judo Association, held at the C . C . P . R . Offices in Durham Ci ty . The B . J . A . is re­sponsible for the coaching and grading of members, displays, competition!-, etc.

We always have a "welcome on the Mat" for new members, so if you have the urge, old or young, come and get the " G e n " at Tcesdale Hall (Trafalgar Street) Mondays and Thursdays. 7-30 p.m. till 9-30 p.m.

* Grades - White. Yel low. Orange. Green. Blue, Brown. Black.

+ One who practises Judo.

Presentations of Long Service Awards — 1957 Our front page picture shows our Chairman and

Managing Director. Mr. Richard Miles, on the occasion of the presentation of awards to Long Service Personnel on 27th June. 1958.

The recipients were as under :— .̂ 0 years - J . O. ( " D i c k " ) Addison - - H .W. Teesdale

L td . (Machine Shop).

40 years - J . Glasper. A . E . Christon. P. Deere, F . G r a y and T . K ing of H.W. Tccsdale Ltd . (Bridge Y a r d ) . F . Fallowfield of H.W. Iron Foundries Ltd . H . Agnew of H.W. Steel Foundries Ltd . W. Cook. C . Lawson, J . McDonough. A . Todd. W. Wales. C . F . Wilson and H . Soppet of H .W. Stockton Forge Ltd .

These awards bring the total number of clocks and watches presented since 1953 to 50 and 218 respectively.

(Editor 's Note: Notices arc posted throughout our organisation informing employees who have or wil l have completed 51) \cars or 40 years service with the Company by 31st December. 1958, to forward full details to Mr. Frank Shepherd. Personnel Manager. Teesdale Iron Works, Thornahy-on- lees, before 31st October. 1958).

4' 0" (Jia. .V 110' 0" loni^ I nn lionatinfi Column, neiiot'uitini* the Hrhliie Hotel Corner. Thornahy. en route installation in No. 3 Olefine Plant, Wilton Works

H.W. T E E S D A L E LTD.

Ross Sour Motorway - Contract No. 4. The constructional department of Head Wrightson

Teesdale Ltd. . announce that the contract for the bridge at (^ucenhill. Worcestershire, has now been signed.

The bridge which is over the river Severn is a compo­site structure of steel and concrete. The total length is 2.468 feet comprising 24 spans of 82 feet of reinforced concrete construction and the main river >pans arc of rivetted steel construction with concrete decks.

The river spans, which form our contract, comprise two anchor spans of L'^l feel and a centre arch span of 238 feel. '! he centre arch span is made of two cantilevers of 65 feel each and a centre span of 108 feel.

The main arch girders vary in depth from 15 feet to 6 feel, and the total tonnage of steel involved is 1.800 tons and the steelwork is being fabricated at our T h o r n ­ahy works and erection is also by our own staff.

The work on site is planned to take place during the summer of 1959 and the whole of the motorway is scheduled for completion by November. 1960.

6 WRIGHT AHEAD

The main civi l contractor is A . E . F a r r L td . , of Westhury, Wilts, and the complete contract is approxi­mately three miles of dual carriageway, motorway and a l l necessary bridge works and roadwork, carrying the motorway over or under existing roads and s'.reams and including the above bridge at Queenhill over the river Severn between Tewkshury and Upton on Severn.

We have included this item of news to show that the Head Wrightson Organisation is taking its share in the country's new road construction programme.

The Consultant Engineers are Sir Alexander G i b h and Partners and the customer is the Worcestershire County Council for the Ministry of Transport and C i v i l Aviat ion.

R . E . Brookes.

Machine Shop. Ou- theme for this issue is the "Old and the New" —

one, men, the other, machines. Recent months have seen further re-tooling of the Machine Shop. Our biggest Vert ical Boring M i l l — "Roundabout" to you and me and Planer have been replaced by the very latest types. I n the case of the "Roundabout" — it is a French make — "Berthiez".

The new Butler Planer looks a real good, solid job and wi l l he a vast improvement on the old one. Its gate size is 8ft x 8ft. There are two tables each 10ft. long, giving 20ft. table travel when coupled, enabling us to plane a piece 8ft. x 8ft. x 20ft. long.

I n the past few months, several of our long service employees have retired. They include Harry Parsons and " D i c k " Addison, both of whom had over 50 years service, Charl ie H a l l with 38 years and T o m Burnip with 20 years. There's very little to say about Har ry that has not already been printed in past issues of the magazine — Foreman of the T o o l Room at Teesdale, he was wel l known throughout the organisation. " D i c k " was for many years connected with both the cricket and football section. T o them a l l , we wish a long and happy retirement.

We have better news of our workmates on sick. Charl ie Arnison is now hack at work and Bob Rickaby and Boh Laws are much better.

We offer our deepest sympathy to Mr . and Mrs. Oi'pen on their tragic loss.

H.W. S T E E L FOUNDRIES L T D . Teesdale.

We wish a speedy recovery to Messrs. J . Jordan, H . Gascoyne, H . Peterson, J . Liggett and Mr . R . Brown (Pattern Shop) who have been away from work a con­siderable time.

We welcome hack after illness, Mr. J . G . Al len , General Manager, Mr . A . Fenny, Pattern Shop and Messrs, J , Chantr i l l , A . Drabble and R . Holmes.

We are pleased to have with us Mr . D . Gould , who is now in charge of the pattern shop in place of Mr . Fenny, who resigned from this position due to i l l health and transferred to the Planning Office, Steel Foundry.

Since the last issue of Wright Ahead, quite a number of our employees have retired. They include Mr . T . Blackburn (30 years), Mr . T . Thompson (Pattern Shop) who was Shop Steward for nearly 20 years, Mr . F . Parker and last, hut not least, Mrs . Sally Dodds who was em­ployed on the Women's core floor for over 15 years. T o them al l we wish a long and happy retirement.

We offer our condolences to Mr . W . Watson on the loss of his wife.

Our Bowls Team (Mr . Harry Hutchinson, Captain), the brothers Hodgson and Micky Cla rk , reached the semi-finals of the Interdepartmental Competition (both team and single rink sections) — we hope they wil l bring the trophies home to the Steel Foundry.

A t the recent H .W. Old Age Pensioners' outing, we were pleased to see many ex Steel Foundry stalwarts.

Stockton.

Congratulations to Mr. J . Bel l on his promotion to staff.

Since our last issue, Messrs. L . Mineham (Electrician), R . Fisher (Welder) and C . Youlden (Painter) have left our employ. We wish them well in their new jobs.

We wish a speedy recovery to Mr . T . Hugil l (Moulder), J . Bulmer (Stores) and "Jar row" Lan\bert.

H.W. MACHINE COMPANY LIMITED Personal Notes.

We bid a temporary goodbye to F rank Pearson during his cal l-up period.

Among those who have left our employ are .— Mrs. M . Dinsdale, our efficient telephonist is devot­

ing herself to household duties.

Miss Sadie Hodgson has moved farther South with her parents.

Miss K . Davies (Progress Clerk) .

Mr . A . R . Col l i son, Site Engineer — has developed an interest in Bessemer Furnaces.

We welcome among our new employees : Miss Margaret Maisie, Mrs. A . Woodhall, Typing Pool. Mr . Outhwaite, Electrical Department. Miss Dinah Crooks. M a i l Room. Miss Wendy Knot t has left Inspection to grace the

switchboard.

Our two lady draughtswomen have returned from their sojourn in the shops to join the crop of 2Ist Birthdays in the D .O .

Miss " J a n " Macdonald, June 9th. Miss Beryl Stainshy, August 18th, Miss June Turner , June 9th.

Mr. Stan Loynes (Cost Office) has been appointed a ful l lieutenant in the R . A . O . C . ( T . A . ) .

Social AcHvities. Adding to their success in the football match the

single men have now beaten the married men at cricket. I n a twenty overs a side match at Teesdale Park they romped home to an easy win.

A n evening Treasure Hunt over a 41 mile course ending at Osmotherley, gave enjoyment to many Benevolent Fund Members. Eighty people in twenty-two cars shared the pleasures of the scenery in L o w Worsal l , Hornby, Cowton, Yafforth and Brompton.

T h e excellent catering at final control smoothed away those hitter words for the twisted mind of their inquisitor.

I St prize was won by Mr . R . Sowerby, with Mr . P . Ba l l in second place. After a lengthy breakdown, Mr . E . Jopling made a remarkable recovery to finish third.

We feel it better to draw a veil over the social activities of young draughtsmen who climb over the backyard walls of young ladies houses.

WRIGHT AHEAD 7

Congratulations to Mr. G . Knowles (Spec. Cons.) on achieving the rank of sergeant.

A happy and contented retirement to Mr. R . Honeyman (Labourers).

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mr. Wil l iam Smith (Tool Room).

HEAD WRIGHTSON IRON FOUNDRIES LTD. Ceremony at Egglescliffe.

On Wednesday. 23rd Ju ly . 1958, a very happy cere­mony look place at Egglesclitfe when a presen alion was made lo Mr. W. B . E d d \ Foiindr\s Manager, by Mr. J . Bashford, Moulder, on the occasion of his retire­ment. The presentation took the form of a portable radio and a table lamp.

Mr. Bashford referred to his boyhood connection with Mr. Eddy and how they had both worked for Head Wrightson's since those early days. Mr. Eddy completing his 50 years service and Mr. Bashford, at present, in his 54th year. Mr . Bashford said that he was speaking for

all the men. women and apprentices in the Woiks when he >aid that Mr. Eddy was acknowledged as a man ot integrity, fair-mindedness and tolerance and those three characteristics had enabled Mr. Eddy and the people in the foundries to work together in the most friendly co-operation

In conclusion. Mr. Bashford wished Mr. and Mrs. Eddy, on behalf of everybody, a long, healthy and happy retirement.

Mr. Eddy, in thanking Mr Bashford and through him all the people connected with this presentation, con­firmed that he had always received loyally and co-opera-lion from everybody, and he was sure that the same good spirit would prevail in the future between the work­people and those who were lo follow him on the management side.

Mr. Morris, Mr. Maine and Mr. Gollogly were present at the ceremony as guests of the Works Committee and Mr. N . Addison presided.

Traff ic Lights. A short while ago the Iron Foundries installed road

traffic lights at Egglcscliffe to cope with the ever increas­ing amount of road traffic passing through a dangerous corner at the south end of the Works.

A s these lights were the first within the whole Group, Sir John Wrightson kindly switched them on and a ceremonial drive was made through them when, of course, they were green.

Get Wel l Soon. We wish a speedy return to work :—

Mr. L . Bloom (Crane Driver) . Mr. F . Outhwaile (C rane Driver) .

We welcome hack to work after his illness Mr. A , Jessop (Labourer) .

Farewell lo Mr. R . Peal who has gone to do his National Service.

Retired. Mr. G . Stalon (Chair Fi l ter ) Mr. H . Taylerson (Watch­

man). T o both we wish a happy retirement.

H.W. STAMPINGS LTD A n apology is extended lo the many readers who com­

mented on the absence of the "Stampings" contribution in our last News Letter. A n explana.ion has

P- been forwarded to the appropriate depart­ment and. once again, normal service is resumed.

It is with regret that we note the passing oi' Mrs. George Jones, wife of our Cieneral \Ianiiger. When circumstances allowed, she so gracefully consented to attend our Annual Dance at Tecsdalc Hal l . It is felt that this must have needed great effort on her part, hut unselfishly her duty to the employees at Seaton Carew came first. We olTer our sym­pathy lo her immediate family and relatives.

Our Fourth Annual Dance was held at Tees'Jale Hal l on the 14th February. In the absence of Mr. Jones, Mr. L . Mogridge, Commercial Manager and Mrs. Mogridge ac.ed as Host and Hostess. Mr. F . Shepherd and Mr. R. Wade were the M . C s . and the

following were members of the committee:— Mrs. J . Davidson, Miss N . P. Kaye . Mrs. H . Shadforth.

Messrs. R . Ferry. G . Parkin (Staff) and Mr. V . Turnhul l (Die Shop). Our thanks are given to all who helped towards the success of the evening.

We wish a speedy recovery to Mr. Oliver Billingham (Shear Shop) who. at the lime of writing, is in hospital for surgical treatment.

We belatedly extend our congratulations to Mr. R . Cummings (Die Shop) and Mrs. Cummings who cele­brated their Ruby Wedding on 31st December. 1957. Mr . Cummings spent 38 years at the Teesdale Works and for the past 51 years has been employed at Seaton Carew. We wish them many years of happiness.

A letter has been received by Mr. Wil l iam Hohley (Maintenance) from Mr. Syd. Bristow. who emigrated to Australia in 1957. I have condensed its contents and give the following items which may prove interesting to those who remember him :

"Ar r iv ing at Sydney after a good trip with luxury travel, we found ourscKcs in a train hound for the South East Coast. From Waterfall the line follows the Coast, and we found it strikingly reminiscent of the North East Coast of England. On one side, the rocky bays washed

Divisional News continued on page 10

8 W RIGHT AHEAD

H . R . H . the Duke of Edinhurgh at the Brus:.els Exhibi t ion examining the exhibit of the Skip Plant Association (of which our Company is a member) with great interest.

WRIGHT AHEAD 9

S E R V I N G T H E W O R L D

T h e exhibit at which the Duke was looking is shown in greater detail and the wording on the plaque at the bottom left hand side is reproduced

under the picture.

This tAliit-ii u j s arraiiRcd M-iih ihf co-operation of the S K I P P L A N T A S S O C I A T I O N

of Gtca i Britain Head. WriBhtscn A Co. Ltd. Rhymncv En 'incc-inn Co . L td .

Oualtcr Hall K Co. L td . International Comhust on Products L td .

the Brussels exhibition.

10 WRIGHT AHEAD

by the South Pacific and the other, mines, but no pit­head gear, due to the fact that they make a hole in the mountain side instead of digging down. Some of the names were familiar — Scarborough, for instance, and although there was no Blackbal l Rocks, there was a Coalcliff, which was near enough for me". Mr. Bristow then describes life in general in the Hostel which, at the time of writing, was to he the Brislow residence until such times when they would build their home on the plot of land which he bought on arr ival in Berkeley. His job is on the construction side of the T i n Plate M i l l o f the Australia Iron and Steel Company — a subsidiary of the powerful B . H . P . Tinplate production is a very interesting process with a great variety of work involving hydraulics, electronics, conveyors, dozens of types of rolls, flying mikes and processes involving acids. The wage is £ l 7 - 5 s . - 0 d . per 40 hour week. With weekend shifts, shift allowance and bonus he can average £22 weekly. There is no shop-steward because a dayshift man is the obvious choice. Trade Unionism in his M i l l is almost non-existent, but having attended two Branch meetings and voiced his opinion on various matters, he was besieged by Branch and District Officers to take office in the Woilowgong Branch. Th i s he declined, but mentions the fact that as there is hut one copy of the A . E . U . rule hook in the district he would he pleased i f someone could provide him with a spare.

T h e price of fruit is very high, the meat good, hut no cheaper than in the U . K . Tobacco is half the price and wine about a third of our own. Beer is 1/2 per half pint, hut very strong. A s the district is very hilly (almost like the West Riding of Yorkshire) he has found it necessary lo purchase a second-hand Ford 10. T o con­tinue in his own words :—

"Fol lowing the initial disheartening weather, the sun took charge and we basked in it like the lizards which abound here, until, as Christmas approached, there were bans on sprinklers, water-rationing and bush fires. In this land of visibly great distances, evidence of the fires soon shows. The weather is glorious — over the 100 mark during the Christmas festivities, hut not always like this. F o r al l the disadvantages of Hostel life, the Bristow family have no desire to leave Australia. By that I don't mean that Australia is perfect, there's plenty lo be done yet. I couldn't advise anyone to come to here or slay at home. It depends upon what you want, whether you are prepared to put up with it and what you are prepared to do without. I f you feel you couldn't live without the highly urbanised amenities of Britain just around the corner, with everything on tap and the vast organisations making up the Welfare State, then of course, there is no place like home. But i f you are prepared to accept a certain amount of discomfort and inconvenience, know­ing that any improvement in your situation depends entirely on your own effort, and armed with the belief that any individual improvement is also Australia 's im­provement, then there's a big welcome to our sunny shores." He conveys his thanks to a l l for their grand send off and his enjoyable stay at "Stampings'"

Our thanks also to Mr. Bristow for his wonderful letter. Space does not allow full reproduction of its word picture, hut I feel sure that Mr. Hohley would he pleased to allow any one so interested to read the original.

Twenty First Birthday Congratulations to :— Mrs. Aileen Ell iot t , Sales Invoice Typist . Miss Margaret Hunter, Comptometer Operator.

Mrs. Margaret Forbes, Typis t . Miss Jean Smith, Typis t . Mr. Norman W a l l , Ya le Driver .

Friends of Mrs. Edna Thompson (nee Brown) wi l l be pleased to learn of the birth of her son.

We have said goodbye to Mrs. Joyce Davison who left at the end of the Annual Holidays. She was responsible for the organising of "Stampings" Annual Dance and her efforts and ability have been greatly appreciated by a l l .

H.W. STOCKTON FORGE LIMITED We welcome back to the Drawing Office, Barry Preece,

who has completed his National Service.

P. Grieveson and A . Phipps, once again made Spain their happy hunting ground for the holidays. Peter took along his "Aqualung" and went diving in the blue depths of the Mediterranean. What it was like 80 feet down is nobody's business for his vivid description outdid any­thing served up by those T . V . stars, Lottie and Hans Haas.

He had also visited Lake Windermere recently, diving to 100 feel and says that things looked a bit murky there, hut there were no signs of "monsters".

A s for Phipps, this was his fourth visit. W c wonder just what the attraction is — certainly not the hull fights

although he did attend a special G a l a performance and managed lo obtain a seat near to " E l Presidente".

Over the August Bank Holiday, John Ward and T o m Chambers, members of the Tees-side Model F ly ing Group, acted as timekeepers and processers at the World Model F ly ing Championships, held at Carnfield College of Aeronautics, near Bedford. Th i s event was organised by the Royal Aero Club and the Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers. Competitors travelled from al l over Europe and from as far as Japan and U . S . A . to take part.

Hungary won both power (engine driven) and rubber team events, also the individual power championship. With an Australian winning the individual rubber award.

T o m Chambers has been asked to fly his rubber model for the England team at the United Kingdom Challenge match which is to he held near Glasgow on 23rd August.

We offer congratulations to Messrs E . Daglish, J . Gregson and G . M . Pinkney. on their promotions to Fitting shop Manager, Fitting Shop Foreman and Machine Shop Foreman, respectively. We wish them every success in their new appointments. Success also to Mr. R . Snowden, who is now with Planning and Mr, J . Fawel l , with Inspection.

We wish Mr. J . Spowden well in his retirement, after thirty years service as a slinger in the machine shop. We hope that he wi l l call and see us from time lo time.

We wish a speedy recovery lo Mr . A . Greenwood, Mr . C . Moyes, who are away from work through illness and Mr. T . Braithwaite who was injured in an accident dur­ing the holidays.

The number of night school "passes" awarded to our apprentices this year makes it impractical to mention a l l by name. We should like to make special mention of two, however, G . All ison and J . Notman, the former gained S3 Northern Counties and the latter S3 General Workshop »

W RIGHT AHEAD I f

T . Gibbons (Deceased). On our return to work after the Whitsun holiday, we,

of the Forge Fitt ing Shop, were shocked to learn that one of our number, who had been so full of life on the previous Fr iday, was to be buried on the day he should have returned to work.

His unexpected passing was felt especially amongst us, because he was a man whom it could be said that he had not a single enemy. Indeed he was one qf those rare people of whom no one spoke i l l . A religious man, he earned the respect of a l l , including those who did not share his faith. His quiet manner, both inside and outside the works, could not fail to impress those fortunate enough to come in contact with him. He was never heard to grumble. His workmanship was above reproach, he was a skilled man who knew his trade and took pride in it. A n uncommon quality in these days of giving the least for the maximum return. He would not, we know, have approved of our writing this about him, hut we feel com­pelled to speak of his impact on us. We are proud to have known him and feel belter for having made his acquaintance. His presence wi l l be greatly missed.

Puzzle. Recently, whilst on holiday, one of our staff took a

check on the weather, and found that on the days when it rained in the mornings, it was fine in the afternoons. He also noted that when it rained on an afternoon it wa always fine the following morning. Altogether, he ex­perienced eleven fine mornings, twelve fine afternoons, and it rained on a total of thirteen days. H o w long was he on holiday?

We offer condolences to Mr . J . Fawel l , who recently lost his mother.

H.W. IRON & S T E E L ENGINEERING U M I T E D

The launching of the "Heat Exchanger" as expected aroused considerable interest in our division, so much so that Mr. Max Clark decided that here at last was a chance to do some work.

Being a keen photographer. Max recorded the highlights of the occasion on 8 m.m. colour film. After censorship members of this division were invited to attend the premier in the apprentice school.

Subsequently the film was shown, together with the B . B . C ' s . inferior epic, to the Head Wrighlson Senior Executives.

The financial success of the film assured, we extend our heartiest congratulations to Max and offer our appreciation to a l l who made this venture possible, particularly to our own Mr. G . E . Newell , for an a l l too rare appearance during the film.

"Spotlight" Thi s issue we focus attention upon 21 years old Don

M c K i n l e y who hails from Redcar.

A s this article is written he is at present enjoying his hobby in Spain on a two weeks holiday, extending his Sub Aqua experience (Underwater Swimming to us land­lubbers).

Of late this hqhby has had its serious side as I shall re late:—

Being a member of the "Tees-side Branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club" , linked with the fact that the club's equipment is housed at Stockton Police station, made Don, and a fellow club member — Peter Grieveson — obvious persons for a police request to undertake the difficult task of searching the bed of a lake for the body of a s ix-year-old hoy, believed drowned.

After dragging operations had been unsuccessful, Don was called from his drawing hoard by the Police, taken by car to the scene (Ossie's Wood, Norton) where Don's intensive training proved its value in the systematic diving that subsequently took place.

After l i hours of grovelling, blind, in the inky black­ness, the boy's body was finally recovered in 13-ft. of water.

Together with the appreciation extended by the Police, Fi re Brigade and child's parents, we wish to offer our congratulations to Don and Peter for their public spiritedness.

T H E G I N G E R POP P L A N T or The Purple People Eater

Thi s is a tale uncanny and weird Of a dreaded invention that a l l McKee feared The squeamish are asked not to look at these pages For what we relate has respect for no ages So now you're being warned, please do not peep —

lest into your stomachs the mixture wi l l creep. Suddenly, mysteriously, it appeared one morning Bubbling and curdling while the staff were still yawning Alongside the thing, instructions were printed "Probably the Russians" young Warwick had hinted A daring draughtsman peered into the glass, " M y goodness" he said "its producing ga s ! ! " So lots were drawn as to who'd take it home For it had to he watched in case it should roam. The instructions stated it had to he fed — 2 spoonsful at daybreak and one before bed But alack and alas this grotesque freak Became two and not one at the end of the week. And so it continued as one became two — Just how to ston it we hadn't a clue! I Physicians came from far and near The Police were alerted — the Army was here T h e Prime Minister when told was completely appalled

and a Stale of Emergency was immediately called. But fortunately, the Prime Minister leaned hack to think " I wonder what this stuff's like to d r ink?" Down the hatch and round the gums — Look-out stomach here it comes And so lo this day it's a household chant "Got any bottles for my Ginger Pop P l a n t ? ? "

M. Clark

H.W. PROCESSES LTD. Since the last Wright Ahead, we have moved into our

new extension building, which is hang up-to-date with an underground car park and car lift, contemporary decor and warm quiet cork floors.

When some of the staff moved into the extension building, the Management made available, to the Sports and Social Club , a floor of the Old Street Building, and since then the Club has advanced in leaps and bounds Table Tennis, Darts, Bill iards, "Rock and R o l l " and of course the inevitable card games.

Without a doubt, the best attended and most populai of the activities run by the Club have been the Motor Ral l ies . T q date, two evening rallies have been held.

12 WRIGHT AHEAD

a further one was arranged for the 30th August, and a special one is on the table for September. Our Mr . D . T o w has presented a trophy for annual competition and two replicas of the trophy for the winning driver and co-driver to retain.

We have high hopes for our football team, which has been entered in the London Sunday League and we wil l keep you Informed of progress. I f enthusiasm makes up for any lack of ski l l they should do well.

The Cricket team has been rather unfortunate due to lack of support and had weather, however, they have played three games winning one game and losing two, but it is hoped that there wi l l be at least one fixture per month next season, which wi l l help to foster more interest.

There is also a boxing section, hut as yet we have no 'Br ian London's' to challenge anyone.

In June we exhibited at the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Exhibi t ion at Olympia. A large number of people visited our stand and showed considerable interest in the activities of our Company. We are actively following up the contacts made and already one order has been received.

We have also received a large Cooling Tower order from Messrs. George Wimpey for Petrochemicals Ltd . , at Manchester. Th i s wi l l he for three large concrete construction lowers for which we are co-operating with Messrs. John Laing L td .

From our experience gained on provision of Timber Cooling Tower we are now offering limber pipelines and gas scrubbers. A good press has been received for our new equipment in this field.

H.W. C O L L I E R Y ENGINEERING LTD. , Thornaby.

Since the last issue of Wright Ahead there has been a number of alterations in the staff — Mr. Duffey has been transferred from the D .O . to the Ogilvie Site Office which Mr. Gilbert has left to do his National Service and been replaced by Mr. N . Perks, as the Site Chainman. Mrs . Fowler has also joined the Ogilvie Site Staff.

T w o members of the staff, viz., Mr. W. I rwin and Mr . A . K . Barker have now taken up appointments with the N . C . B . , no doubt lo give them the benefit of the knowledge acquired in H . W . C . E . L . and Mr. Nossiter has moved within the Company to the Research and Development Department.

Mrs. M . Te r ry has joined the Site Staff at Ahernant Coll iery.

We hope that a l l these moves wi l l mean prosperity and happiness to the individuals concerned.

Sheffield. Mr. R . O'Brien has recently joined the Board of the

Company and has assumed the duties of General Manager.

It is good to see Miss Christine Thackeray looking so well on her return to the office after a long illness.

Three members of the Drawing Office staff have com­pleted their National Service and we are happy to see them again. They are Messrs. D . Cooper, K . Cooper and R . Baggaley who, after their travels to distant parts, are settling down with us.

Staff Changes. A number of staff changes have occurred since the

last issue of this magazine. Mr. J . M . Righy has transferred from the Newcastle

Office to the Sheffield Office lo take up the duties o f Assistant Chief Estimator.

Miss W. Chamberlain has joined the Fi l ing Department (Sheffield) and Mr. D . F . W . Sharp, the Accounts Depart­ment (Sheffield).

Messrs. J . Bowers and M . J . Fl in t have joined the Drawing Office staff (Manchester).

Messrs. E . Salvin and R Brookes have left the Sheffield Office to lake up new positions with other Companies.

Cricket. The present season has not been a good one so far

as completing the fixture list of the Sports Club (Cricket Section). However, out of sixteen matches played, eight were won, six lost and two drawn. These results show an improvement on last season.

The annual match between the Sheffield Office and the staff of Aerex Ltd . , was played on Wednesday, the 13th of August, at the Watt Lane ground. On this occa­sion the Aerex side, who hatted first, scored fifty-seven for six wickets in sixteen overs, heating the Sheffield Office, whose score was fifty-two for seven in the allotted period.

Our congratulations go the the Aerex side, who wi l l retain for the coming year, the Wightman trophy, which was presented by Mr. A . E . Lawrie , Managing Director of Aerex L td .

After the match, the teams and friends adjourned to a nearby hostelry where refreshments and dancing were enjoyed by a l l .

NUCLEAR POWER DIVISION Coming of Age.

We send congratulations to Mr. G . Reed, who cele­brated his Coming-of-Age on the 7lh July, 1958.

Get Well Soon. We were sorry to learn that Mr, J . Lawson's wife has

been indisposed. We hope that as a result of the operation which she had to undergo she wi l l soon he fit and well again. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Welcome Back. We are pleased lo welcome back to the office Mr. P .

J . Llewel lyn (Contracts Manager) and Miss A . Griffiths (Tracer) both of whom have recently spent some time in hospital.

New Offices — Old Wing. The old wing of the Friarage has now been made

habitable after extensive alterations and presently houses the Engineers and the Projects Offices. Th i s is in point of fact the most ancient portion of The Friarage, for it was in 1795 that a large room on the first floor of the old wing of the mansion was converted into the first post-Reformation Catholic Church. A Grecian style of decoration was then chosen for the chapel and there was a good painting of the Crucifixion over the altar. T h e present decoration is distinctly contemporary and only the exterior gives a clue to the ancient historic back­ground.

WRIGHT AHEAD I T

**The Other Launching**. The personnel at the Friarage who were not able to

attend the official launching of the first Bradwell Boiler, held their own launching ceremony, as the picture indicates.

What matter i f the "boiler" was an empty oil drum which shone like tin from between its stick lagging? What matter i f the skirt plate was fluted and the dished end made of cardboard? Surely no official ceremony commanded greater interest or excitement.

Even the slipway bore a touch of ingenuity for it had been fashioned from a portion of corrugated roofing and carefully angled to ensure the "boiler's" smooth and easy passage into midstream.

"The other launching" lost not a whit of impetus or momentum for at 1-30 p.m., precisely, our own "Mayor" —complete with Peeler hat and hearing the insignia of his office — was presented with a unique bouquet of fern, bracken and choice dandelion blooms prior to sending the "boiler" on its way, addressed : " C . O . D . — Bradwel l" .

The picture was taken at the height of the activities — (not without some trepidation) — from the hemlock and nettle-ridden banksides which were crowded with spectators, who cheered boisterously the "boiler" down­stream.

T r u l y , "the other launching" was a noteworthy, i f comic, occasion which shall he entered in the annals of N.P .D ' s . history and remembered for a long time to come.

Treasure Hunt. A Treasure Hunt held on Sunday, Apr i l 27th, 1958,

resulted in a "photo finish" the first three places from 23 starters being decided by the number of points gained from the objects which had to he collected.

Three competitors having a clean road sheet, the issue rested on the length of a nai l .

Results: First : R . S. Hawkins, Teesdale Erection Dept. Second : J . S. Frankl in , N . P . D . T h i r d : Mrs. S. Littlefair, N . P . D .

who had a 6", 5" and 4" nail respectively.

Cricket Match. A cricket match versus the N . P . P . C . team from K n u t s -

ford, held on Sunday, Ju ly 6th, 1958, at Teesdale Park resulted in a win for the visitors, despite a prodigious feat of bowling by our dark grey (head) horse B i l l Hastwell in taking 7 wickets for 45 runs.

Refreshments were taken at the Teesdale Club after the game, and the "Cestrians", flushed with success, ignored the warning regarding the potency of the local "refreshment" and returned to Cheshire slightly in advance of the morning milk .

Our inter-departmental Cricket and Bowls teams were, unfortunately, eliminated in the early stages of the com­petitions. However, our ' A ' team in the A i r Rifle Competition managed to reach the semi-final.

HEAD WRIGHTSON EXPORT COMPANY We are very pleased to welcome Mrs. A. Turner , who

joined them during Apr i l ,

MAINTENANCE A presentation party was held in H .W. Club to mark

Mr. A . Moore's departure. He was presented with a travelling bag and a cigarette lighter, as a token of appreciation from all his friends in the Maintenance.

We welcome hack from the Forces, Mr. A . Porter, and say goodbye to Mr . " J o l l y " Rodgers.

After a long absence we look forward to seeing Albert Mills (Plumbers and Fitters Sec.) back amongst the boys.

Retirement of Mr. R. Kirby. After completion of overhaul and repairs to the Bridge

Y a r d radial drills. Bob felt that he had, had enough of work - a t least for the time being — and decided to retire.

T o mark the occasion, the staff and his workmates subscribed to a presentation in the form of a wallet and notes. Th i s gift was ably presented by the oldest work­man in the department, Mr. T . Mil l ican, with A i d . F . Wi>em:in presiding. Mr. W . Hutchinson, Mr. A . W . Moffitt and Mr. P. Barker a l l spoke of the high regard for Boh, and wished him many happy years of retire­ment.

Letter from an ex-Student Apprentice, Dear Readers,

I should like to take the opportunity of expressing my deepest appreciation of al l that has been done for me at Head Wrightson's and especially to a l l those at H . W . Machine Co. whose unending help has meant so much.

My only regret is that I did not find the time to say good-bye to a l l those whom I would have wished, to them I send my apologies.

One thing is certain — I shall leave Head Wrightson's assured that what I have seen and learned wi l l be of great value to me in the future and that the prevailing kindness and amicable attitude shown by a l l w i l l long be remembered.

Good Wishes to a l l of you, (S) G . C . Butler.

14 W RIGHT AHEAD

O B I T U A R Y

It is with extreme regret that we have to record the sudden death of Mr . G . Husband, of H . W .

Iron & Steel Engineering L td . Age 40 years.

F I R E TEAM'S SUCCESS Our works fire brigade was placed third in the

Industrial Fi re Protection Association's annual fire-fighting competition, held at the London Fire Brigade's headquarters, Lambeth, on Saturday, 20th September.

The team which competed in the light trailer pump section, finished only one second behind the winners and was awarded the "Liverpool" Cup to add to the other trophy won this year, the " G l a x o " Cup awarded to them for finishing first in the Northern Region industrial fire-fighting competition.

Th i s is the first time a team from the North-east has been placed in the national competition.

Members of the team were D . Lit l lewood, A . Waton, C . Littlewood, H . Cuthhert and S. Duckett (reserve). They were accompanied by Mr. C . H . Soppet, honorary fire officer.

Head Wrightson's works fire brigade came into being in 1938, as part of the country's huild-up of A R P services. During the war, the brigade reached a total strength of 165, and became part of the National Fire Service, helping the local fire brigade to leal with fires outside the works.

After the war. enthusiasm was such that some of the early "recruits", who were among the keenest members, were retained as a volunteer organisation to look after the firm's fire-fighting arrangements. Present strength is 14 men.

Teams from the brigade have had several successes in the regional competition in recent years, and twice before a team has competed unsuccessfully in the national competition.

WORK'S BAND TO COMPETE IN LONDON Our Works Band recently competed in the North

Eastern Area section of the "Da i ly Hera ld" Brass Band Competition and finished up in third position. Since there were only four points difference between them and the section winners, they were invited to compete in the Finals 6f the Competition at Seymour H a l l in London, on Saturday, 25th October. A l l our readers wi l l join in wishing them every success.

THANK GOD ! IT'S AN ENGLISHMAN This heartfelt remark heard over the translation system

caused a ripple of laughter to pass through the large Conference H a l l of the Palais De Congress in Liege (Belgium) at a few minutes before five o'clock on June 18th.

F rom 9-30 a.m. onwards throughout the day several hundred men representing the Iron and Steel Industries and the makers of Iron and Steel Works Equipment of the whole world had been listening to highly technical papers on the newly developed processes using oxygen for making steel.

These papers were read by the Authors from G e r ­many, France, Sweden, Austria and U . S . A . in German, French and English. T o enable everyone to understand, a number of linguists were in a soundproof box at the hack of the H a l l translating the speeches as they were made. At each seat in the H a l l were headphones and a small switchboard to enable hearers to pick up their own translation. After several hours of continuous trans­lation of other languages into English the lady translator who made this remark was greatly relieved to hear D r .

P. A . Young of our Research and Development Depart­ment called upon to speak.

He and Dr . A . G . Raper, also of the Research and Development Department, were the only Englishmen to make a contribution to this discussion and what they had to say on the research we had done on these processes was very well received and served to confirm that Head Wrightson's are one of the leaders in this field today.

Th i s meeting was one of a number held in Liege, Luxemburg, Brussels and Charleroi organised by the British Iron and Steel Institute and a number of European Metallurgical and Scientific Societies to discuss the latest developments in Iron and Steel making and to see continental works.

In addition to Drs . Young and Raper, Head Wright­son's were represented at these international meetings by Mr. N . C . Lake , Mr. V . Pcndred ( H . W . Export C o . Ltd.) and Mr. W . H . Mather ( H . W . Machine Co . Ltd . ) and contact was made with many influential people from many countries.

GO NORTH, YOUNG MAN In the June Issue of the Church Illustrated there

appeared an article " G o North Young Man" which was an account of the visit to "Midddlesbrough of Public Schoolboys from Oxford and Winchester. We give below an extract from this article which concerns their visit to Head Wrightsons :—

"Next morning, the Industrial Chaplain took the party to the world-famous engineering works of Head Wright­son and Company at Thornahy-on-Tees. Here they were met with typical North Country hospitality, coffee and biscuits on arr ival , and a three-course lunch at the end of the tour. T w o representatives of the firm were ready to take the hoys round : on being asked first what Head Wrightson's made, they thought it would he easier to list what they didn't make ; nothing is too small or too big ; it might be a valve for an American oil pipeline, or it might mean (as recently in Spain) reclaiming a swamp of eighteen square miles and building on it a complete blast furnace plant, with a l l the ancillary trades. The •'Captain Cook" Spirit.

The Captain Cook spirit is well illustrated by a pro­ject on hand at the moment. The Company are building "heat exchangers", for the atomic energy station at Bradwell in Essex. Every square inch of the enormous contraption is tested by X - r a y s to find the slightest fault, but that is the least of the problems facing the Company. T h e big headache was how to transport them — they are far too big to go by road or rai l . So they are to he launched into the Tees and lowed by tugs down the North Sea coast. "We've a few questions to which we don't know the answers yet, hut we are used to being the first people to take on awkward jobs."

The hoys then had a fascinating morning in an atmosphere completely new to most of them. They saw carbon arc furnaces for making steel, the dirty strenuous piece-work of the moulding shop, a great truck being made for a blast furnace plant (the contents would be so hot that the driver had to have a refrigerated and air-conditioned cabin), and perhaps most absorbing of a l l , a supreme example of the combined arts of the drawing office, the pattern shop and the casting shop: a giant mixer for British Celanese, every inch of the great mixing arm on a spiral twist, graceful as a ballet dancer.

Ability on Top. Our last call was in the apprentice school. T h i s is

Head Wrightson's pride and joy. Every hoy who joins the firm as an apprentice spends forty-eight weeks on a complete tour of the works. "We have at least 33 separate crafts here, and a hoy cannot know what he wants until he has spent some time in every department. So we give him a year to look round and then ask him what he wants to do. We then start his training, including

WRIGHT AHEAD 15

one day a week at the Technical College and right to the end there is no contract with us. We arc so proud of our firm that we only want the boys and men who have considered all other firms and still of their own free wi l l want to stay with us. We are quite willing to send hoys to the University if they have the ability. We have IWQ boys at the University now who both failed the .11-plus examination".

A t a later date the Editor of the paper wrote to Mr . Peter Wrightson enclosing a letter, copy of which wc reproduce, as we feel that our readers wi l l he interested to hear of the wide spread interest in the work we do :—

Rosellon 250, B A R C E L O N A ,

18th June, 1958. Dear Sir,

1 read with more than ordinary interest the article " G o North, Young Man" . The great firm of Head

Wrighlson is mentioned as having a large Blast Furnace contract in Spain. I happen to he extremely wel l -acquainted with this fine project for I have the honour and joy of visiting Head Wrightson's men, as their chaplain, ever since work began in the town and port of Avi l^s , on the Bay of Biscay. I would like you to know that the men sent out to Spain by this F i r m arc of Stirling character. I am proud to he their honorary chaplain, and prouder still of the Christian example they set in a foreign country. In most cases they are allowed to have their wives and families with them, so that when it is possible for me lo go lo Avi l^s we get a sizeable congregation and the heartiest of services.

Yours truly, (Signed) J A M E S J O H N S T O N ,

(Archdeacon of Gibral tar) . The Editor. C H U R C H I L L U S T R A T E D .

C R I C K E T I N T E R D E P A R T M E N T A L

1958

Thi s year's winners of the above Competition were the General Offices, Teesdale. The runners up were Stockton Forge. Trophies were presented to both teams by Mr. Frank Shepherd.

Back Row: C . Fairs , A . Court, M . Rohin­

son, D . Fryer , W . Kemp, 1. Armstrong and B . Curzon.

Front Row: M . Stayman, T . Pearce, R .

Brown. C . Campbell , and B . Hutchinson.

P R E S E N T A T I O N T O M R . J . W. W A R D E L L

Our picture shows Mr. Richard Miles. Chairman and Managing Director, handing over a silver tea service to Mr. J . W . Wardell who recently retired from his position of General Manager of H.W. Stockton Forge L td . after 50 years service with the C o m ­pany. Also in the picture are Sir John Wrightson, Mr. Peter Wrightson and Mrs. WardelL

16 WRIGHT AHEAD

H. W . PERSOI^ALITY MR. W. EDDY—Egglescliffe Foundry

Mr. Eddy, who retired from the position of Works Manager at Egglescliffe Foundry in July of this year, had been with the firm for fifty years.

He began work with the Company in 1908 at the Iron Foundry, Teesdale. In those days the foundry was lit by gas jets on the walls. Th i s form of lighting was followed by incandescent gas lighting and, finally, by electricity. Waste material was led away from the foun­dries on carts drawn by horses. There were three hand-powered cranes in the General Foundry at that time and there were green fields where the steel foundry now is — in fact, howl chairs were stacked on this open space.

He recalls, too, that work began at 6 a.m. in those days and any employee who did not draw his hoard before this time, had to see the time-keeper and then get per­mission to start from his departmental head. Hours were 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes 4 a.m. till 12 noon on Saturdays. There was no buzzer, but a hell was rung at starting times, etc.

In 1940, Mr. Eddy was transferred to Stockton Forge and returned to Teesdale Iro.n Foundry in 1944. In 1950 he went to Egglescliffe, hut remained in charge of Tees­dale Iron Foundry until its final transfer there.

Mr . Eddy was an ardent cricketer and played for many years for Thornaby first team. He also pla\ed tennis and football and since his playing days ended has been a regular attender at Middlesbrough football matches. He has been and still is a member of Thornahy Cricket Club Committee for thirty years. He has given great support to successful schemes for raising money for the improve­ment of the Thornahy ground and is at the moment very interested in the plan to erect a new tea pavilion.

He is keenly interested in the countryside and derives great pleasure from country walks.

A l l our readers wi l l join us in wishing him a long and happy retirement. When he called on us the other day — he was delighted with his life of leisure and looked very well indeed.

-tj*.

L .

P R E S E N T A T I O N T O M R . H A R R Y P A R S O N S

Our photograph shows Sir John Wrightson, V ice -cha i rman arid M a n n i n g Director making a presentati6fi*'to Mr. H . ParSons whc 'a f tp r 50 years service, has

- retired frdju .the post of Too l Room Foremah.

. ' A l s o in the photograpWre M r . ^ R : H . $turges. General Mal^--ager^ Mr. T . H . H a l l , W o r k r

Manhger and Mr. J . F rank l in . Machine Shop Manager. H .W.

. wTeesdale L t d .